Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with our Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce. This recipe promises succulent salmon fillets bathed in a zesty lemon, Dijon mustard, and garlic marinade, baked to perfection, and then generously drizzled with a luxurious lemon butter cream sauce. Prepare to elevate your dinner experience to a whole new level of sophistication and flavor.
This dish holds a special place in our family gatherings, symbolizing a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and rich, velvety sauces. From the tantalizing aroma that fills the kitchen as the salmon bakes to the moment the creamy lemon butter sauce is poured, it’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culinary excellence that brings everyone together.
Why This Baked Salmon Recipe Shines:
Discover Why This Baked Salmon Recipe Shines:
- Perfectly Balanced Marinade: The combination of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic forms a harmonious marinade, infusing the salmon with layers of flavor and brightness.
- Buttery Cream Sauce Magic: The velvety lemon butter cream sauce, enriched with garlic and cream, adds a touch of indulgence, turning a simple salmon dish into a gourmet delight.
- Quick and Effortless Preparation: With minimal effort, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve this exquisite salmon over mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or homemade pasta – the options are endless, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- Salmon fillets (skinless) – 5, about 150 g/5 oz each
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 1
- Old-style Dijon mustard – 2 tablespoons
- Ground black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt, to taste
For the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:
- Unsalted butter – 1/4 cup
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Heavy cream or half and half – 1/2 cup
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 1-2 tablespoons, optional
- Parsley (finely chopped) – 1 tablespoon
- Ground black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F/220°C with the rack in the center.
- In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Mix well.
- Place salmon fillets in a baking dish, pour the marinade over them, and rub. Season with black pepper and salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 20 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream, bring to a boil, and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice if using, and garnish with chopped parsley. Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
- Pour the luscious sauce over the baked salmon and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or your preferred accompaniment.
Notes: Feel free to customize the sauce by adjusting the lemon juice to suit your taste preferences. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted asparagus or scalloped potatoes. Enjoy the culinary bliss of this elevated salmon experience!
